A dramatic new chapter has unfolded for Britain’s royal family as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew and the younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police confirmed on Thursday that an investigation has been opened into alleged misconduct dating back to Mountbatten-Windsor’s decade-long tenure as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. Officers said a man in his sixties was arrested in Norfolk and remains in custody while searches continue at properties in both Berkshire and Norfolk.
Police were seen earlier in the day at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, where unmarked vehicles and plain-clothes officers gathered. The arrest coincided with Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday. In keeping with UK legal guidelines, authorities did not publicly name the suspect, though multiple British news outlets identified him as the former senior royal.
In a brief statement, King Charles III said he learned of the arrest “with the deepest concern,” emphasizing that “the law must take its course.” The development marks the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior member of the British royal family has been arrested.
The investigation follows renewed scrutiny stemming from documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Previously released material — often referred to as the “Epstein files” — allegedly suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared sensitive government information with Epstein while serving as trade envoy.
Police had earlier confirmed they were reviewing claims related to potential information-sharing during that period. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the probe would continue amid “significant public interest,” while urging responsible reporting to avoid prejudicing ongoing proceedings.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all allegations linked to Epstein, maintaining that he neither witnessed nor suspected any of the criminal conduct attributed to the late financier. He has not publicly commented on the latest allegations of misconduct in public office.
The unfolding inquiry adds further strain to an institution already navigating heightened public scrutiny, as investigators continue searches and examine newly surfaced evidence.